Fantasy Football Draft Tips for the Noobie

So you're just now getting into this thing we call fantasy football? You are not alone. As the craze that is fantasy football makes its way around offices, hangouts and family get-togethers, more and more people are deciding to play. If this is your first time getting in on the fantasy football scene, you might feel a little out of your element. That is to be expected since for many people, fantasy football is practically a full time job.

Here are some tips for the fantasy football noobie:

Bring Your Equipment

As a fantasy football manager, you need to come to the meetings prepared and equipped. Even if you don't completely know what you're doing, you want to show up looking like you do. Know the rules beforehand and brush up on your terminology. Then bring your cheat sheet, study up on predicted sleepers, bring money for entry fees (if there are any), pens and pencils, highlights for marking picks off the list and extra paper for jotting notes.

Look, listen and learn

This is the time to keep quiet, listen to what others are doing and keep your eyes peeled. Avoid saying too much, revealing how noob you are or missing details because you're chatting with someone else. Be a silent observer. By watching other drafters, you will get a better idea of what you should be doing when your turn comes around.

Draft according to BYE weeks

Watch those byes and make sure you don't draft a backup with the same bye as your first string. Print this season's NFL bye week schedule if you worry that you might forget something.

Quick Tips

Here are some more quick tips for actual draft day:

• Don't drink- but bring some drinks
• Don't be afraid to trade- if it's worthy, be open to a possible trade
• Don't draft in order (QB, RB, RB, WR, WR, TE, K, D, QB, RB, RB, WR, WR, K)- pick the best players first
• Don't share your cheat sheet- keep your hard work to yourself
• Don't be afraid to take some risks- even the pros do it
• Double check everything!

Now that you have these tips, you're ready to at least act like you know what you're doing. Remember that it's all about having fun and while we all want to win, it's really about the experience as much as it is about winning, especially when you're new.

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